Examined by the SOLICITOR-GENERAL.
1736. Is your name Frederick Davis?
- Yes.
1787. Were you a trimmer on this vessel?
- Yes.
1787a. On Friday the 7th May were you on the noon to 4 p.m. watch on No.1 boiler room in the centre on the starboard side?
- Yes.
1788. At 10 minutes past 2 did you go into the forward bunker hatch, load up your barrow, and return up the amidships pass?
- Yes.
1789. Where were you when you heard the explosion about a quarter past 2?
- Just by the end of the pass of No.1, near the centre stokehold.
1740. That would be on the starboard side, would it not?
- Yes.
1741. What happened?
- There was loud bang, and there were objects blowing about, and the lights went out.
1742. Could you form an opinion as to where the explosion took place?
- The bang seemed to come from the after-end on the starboard side of No.1.
1743. No.1 what?
- No. 1 stokehold. No.1 boiler.
1744. Could you tell whereabouts it was as regards the bunker hatches?
- They seemed to shake.
(The witness withdrew.)